Zirkone

Zirkone is a synthetic gemstone material developed for use as a diamond simulant and as a robust ceramic. It is produced by stabilizing zirconia (zirconium dioxide) and crystallizing it into clear or colored forms. Zirkone is marketed as a family of compositions rather than a single fixed formula, with variations in stabilizer type and grain structure that affect clarity, toughness, and optical performance.

The name Zirkone combines a reference to zircon with the common gemstone suffix -one and is used by several manufacturers as a trade name. The material is typically manufactured in controlled facilities and can be produced as single crystals or as polycrystalline blocks suitable for polishing into stones or for industrial uses.

Physical and optical properties are driven by its zirconia base. Zirkone has a Mohs hardness near 8.0 and a density around 5.6 g/cm3. It is optically isotropic in its cubic phase, with a refractive index roughly in the 2.15–2.18 range and a dispersion near 0.060, contributing to bright fire. Colorless forms are most common, while color can be introduced through trace dopants.

Applications include jewelry, where Zirkone serves as an affordable diamond simulant with strong scratch resistance and good transparency, and certain industrial ceramics where its hardness and thermal stability are advantageous. In gemological tests it can be distinguished from diamond by its optical and thermal properties, as well as by standard spectroscopy and fracture analysis. Care guidelines are similar to other synthetic gemstones: clean with mild soap and water, and avoid aggressive cleaning methods or ultrasonic cleaners if the piece has inclusions or internal defects.

See also: cubic zirconia.